MAFTIA is examining dependability questions in a world where deliberate attacks both by hackers and corrupt insiders on computer systems are a major consideration.

It is investigating the dependability of distributed applications for very large and heterogeneous user populations, such as Internet-based supply-chain management, auctioning in electronic commerce, and the IT infrastructure of large companies and administrations. MAFTIA will contribute to the community's social objectives by bringing improvements in several areas, including but not limited to: the quality of life; employment; enforcement of ethical values, such as privacy.

Indeed, the project addresses directly some aspects that are crucial for the expected development of the Information Society, the achievement of which is one of the objectives of the Community.